Imagine the UK was covered with crops used for biofuel. Multiply it by three.

That’s the amount of land and forest needed to meet Europe’s bioenergy demands according to a new report by the Vienna University of Economics and Business for Friends of the Earth Europe.

Supporters of biofuel argue it is a valuable energy source is used sustainably.

However the report warns Europe’s use of crops and wood for transport fuel, heating and electricity is set to double by 2030.

Campaigners want to limit the use of bioenergy to sustainable levels and ban crops from being used.

Friends of the Earth Bioenergy Campaigner Kenneth Richter said: “Europe’s hunger for bioenergy is out of control… Bioenergy has a role to play in bringing down climate emissions, but governments must focus on utilising waste materials rather than burning trees and food crops.”

Today EU ambassadors will meet in Brussels to discuss a cap on biofuels from food at 7%.